Brian J. Cauwels, of West Bend, best known for his catch phrase "Absolutely Superb", passed away at the age of 66 on Monday, September 17, 2012 at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee.
He was born on December 13, 1945 in Luverne, MN to the late John and Violet (nee Lange) Cauwels. Brian attended a one room elementary school near Luverne; and later attended junior high and his freshman year of high school in Magnolia, MN. His family then moved to Verdi, MN where he graduated from high school. Following high school, Brian served in the United States Air Force and eventually lived in California for several years following his time in the service.
In the late 1970's, Brian moved to West Bend and began working at the West Bend Company. During that time he also began working for his long time friend, Mark Jug, at MJ Stevens as a bartender. Brian retired from the West Bend Company in the late 1990's and began working as a Delivery Service Representative for Finishmaster in West Bend. He loved the Green Bay Packers, camping, and auto racing.
He is survived by his five children, Craig Hammann of West Bend, Chris (Irina) Cauwels of Sussex, Cory (Beth) Cauwels of Woodbury, MN, Dustin (Sarah) Cauwels of Slinger, and Tristin (Glen) Erickson of Racine; seven grandchildren, Andrea, Kelly, Elaina, Maxwell, Gabriel, Helen, and Jacob; seven brothers and sisters, Karen Belisle of Finlayson, MN, Lawrence Cauwels of Worthington, MN, Marilyn (John R.) Swanson of Coal Valley, IL, Charles (Geri) Cauwels of West Bend, Cecelia (Marlo) Williams of Russell, MN, Michael (Arlys) Cauwels of Hawarden, IA, and Luanne (Marvin) Bebensee of Brookings, SD. He is further survived by his close friends, Mark Jug and Manny Tamayo; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Raymond; and his infant brother, Thomas.
Funeral services in remembrance of Brian will be held on Thursday, September 20th at 7:00 pm at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St. West Bend. Visitation will be Thursday at the funeral home from 4:00 pm until the time of service. Burial will take place on Friday at 10:00 am in Washington County Memorial Park
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kavita Sharma and the other palliative care physicians as well as the MRICU staff at St. Luke's Hospital for all of the care and support that was given to Brian.